CHC30402 Certificate III in Children's Services

Qualification: Certificate III (AQF)
Training Package: CHC02 Community Services
TAFE NSW Course No: 3294

This course is for people who want to work as child-care workers in centre-based and family day care. You will learn how to care for and provide play experiences to help the development of children in centre-based care. You will also learn about how children develop and the important role of the family.

Student Responsibilities in Work Placement: In many TAFE NSW courses, some of the learning and assessment occurs in the workplace or a simulated workplace. A simulated workplace is very similar to a real workplace and may have clients, but is usually within a TAFE NSW campus.
TAFE NSW has a responsibility to protect members of the public (and the students themselves) from being harmed by students taking part in workplace or simulated workplace learning. If there is evidence that your skills or behaviour could present a risk to yourself or other people in the workplace, you may not be allowed to participate in a work placement, at least for a period of time. To help you understand your responsibilities in the workplace, you will be given a code of practice which indicates expected standards of behaviour. Your teacher will explain to you and your workplace supervisor the range of duties for which you have the skills and knowledge. You must not carry out duties other than those indicated by your teacher.
You need to take particular care if workplace clients are people who may be in vulnerable circumstances - for example, people who are frail, children, young people, people with a disability or people who are receiving a type of service which may put them in vulnerable circumstances (for example, massage therapy or nursing care).
A Prohibited Employment Declaration must be signed by students in courses where contact will be made with children and young people. Your teacher will give you more information about this.
Students who have committed a breach of discipline or who are assessed as presenting a significant risk to themselves or others during work placement may be prevented from undertaking or continuing further work placement. This may mean they will not complete the course. Your teacher or an enrolling officer can provide you with more information about this policy.
If you are unsure about whether it may prevent you from completing a course you could discuss the matter with a staff member of TAFE NSW Counselling and Career Services. In some circumstances students may be required to undertake a criminal records check or a Working with Children Check.

Career Opportunities: Child-care assistant, family day carer and nanny. Under the Children's Services Regulation 2004 you cannot be employed in children's services until you are 18 years of age.

Articulation: When you finish this course you may apply for advanced standing in the CHC50302 Diploma of Children's Services (TAFE NSW Course no 3295). You may also get credit for some modules that address common units of competencies if you choose to enrol in courses for other sectors in Community Services.

Entry Requirements: NSW School Certificate (or equivalent, from another educational authority).

Student Selection:
SELECTION CRITERIA
Your application will be assessed using the following selection criteria:
- Your previous education and training - including relevant information about your studies in TAFE, school, university, adult and community education, government agencies, companies, professional associations or private colleges. This also includes education and training undertaken in another country.
- Relevance of the course to your career plans and goals.
SELECTION METHOD Your selection into this course will be based on the information provided on the TAFE NSW Course Application Form.

Competency Units
Core:
3294R	Professional experience I
CHCCHILD1C	Identify and respond to children and young people at risk of harm
CHCCN1D	Ensure children's health and safety
CHCCN2C	Care for children
CHCCN4D	Respond to illness accidents and emergencies
CHCCS301A	Work within a legal and ethical framework
CHCFC1C	Support the development of children in the service
CHCIC1C	Interact effectively with children
CHCOHS301A	Participate in workplace safety procedures
CHCPR1C	Deliver services/activities to stimulate children's development and enhance their leisure
CHCPR3C	Develop an understanding of children's interests and developmental needs
HLTFA1A	Apply basic First Aid
Elective: Contact the Campus for Details

Applying and Enrolling:

Semester 2, 2008: Places may still be available in some units. Contact the campus for details.

Campuses:

Coffs Harbour Education Campus: contact the Child and Family Services Section on (02) 6659 3000.
Grafton - For more information ring (02) 6641 1600.
Kingscliff - contact the Child and Family Services section on (02) 6674 7200.
Macksville - Get Skilled in Children's Services, starting 25 August 2008. See brochure for details (PDF 1158KB)
Port Macquarie - Contact Rhian Hope or Gayle Beddoe on (02) 6581 6200
Taree - Contact Susan Roberts on (02) 6591 3600.
Wollongbar - contact the campus on (02) 6620 4700.

Semester 1, 2009: TAFE NSW Statewide Application Form by 31 October 2008.
Late applications will be accepted, however this is a very high demand course and it is recommended you get your application in by the closing date.

Campuses:

Coffs Harbour Education Campus: Full-time/flexible, 16 hours per week for 36 weeks, 3 days per week, 9.00 am to 4.00 pm (TAFE application code: 032952631)
or
Full-time, 5 days per week over 18 weeks (limited places available to fast-track this course) (TAFE application code: 032952631). Please identify on your application form if you are interested in the fast-track option.
Information session Wednesday 15 October 2008, 6.00 pm, room OG.46.
For more information contact the Child and Family Services Section on (02) 6659 3000.

Grafton - Part-time day (TAFE application code: 032940382)
or
Flexible Delivery (telephone contact one evening per week plus some Saturday evening workshops at either Grafton or Coffs Harbour for 36 weeks) (TAFE application code: 032940384).
Information session Tuesday 14 October 2008, 6.00 pm, room PG.2.
For more information ring (02) 6641 1600.

Kempsey - Full-time day, 3 days per week for 36 weeks, Mondays - Wednesdays, 9.00 am - 3.30 pm (TAFE NSW application code: 032940431).
For more information ring (02) 6560 2900.
Information sheet, Kempsey Campus, Semester 1 2009 (PDF 367KB)

Kingscliff - Full-time, 20 - 24 hours per week for 18 weeks, Mondays - Fridays, 9.00 am - 3.30 pm (TAFE Application code: 032942621). Attendance includes 100 hours of work placement
or
Part-time evening, 10 - 12 hours per week for 36 weeks, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6.00 pm - 9.00 pm.
For more information contact the Child and Family Services section on (02) 6674 7200.
Information sheet, Kingscliff Campus, Semester 1 2009 (PDF 322KB)

Port Macquarie - Full-time day for 36 weeks, Wednesdays - Fridays, 9.00 am - 3.30 pm (TAFE application code: 032941201).
Contact Gayle Beddoe on (02) 6581 6200 for more information.
Information sheet, Port Macquarie Campus, Semester 1 2009 (PDF 367KB)

Taree - Full-time day (TAFE application code: 032940601). You will also be required to do a work placement of 80 hours minimum which will be organised by the teaching section. On successful completion of this course you will be eligible to apply for articulation into CHC50302 Diploma of Children's Services in Semeste 2 2009.
Contact Susan Roberts on (02) 6591 3600 for more information.